JP3323798B2 - How to provide user interface definition - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral device (M).
In particular, the present invention relates to an MFP having a hard output unit having a display and a control unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Copiers are used at the core and networked
Copy systems are generally hard output units
And a control unit. The hard output unit generally includes a copy machine, and the control unit includes a local area network (LA).
N) A dedicated server having an interface, an interface for the hard output unit, and hardware and software for enabling the user on the LAN to use the hard output unit. hard
The output unit and the control unit are separate, and if the control unit is not connected , the functions of the hard output unit are limited to those of a stand-alone copier only.

[0003] To provide a user interface (UI), the hard output unit includes user input means such as an alphanumeric display (typically an LCD) and panel buttons. A user can read various information from the display and use the user input means to control the operation of the hard output unit. The hard output unit includes a microprocessor and a controller such as a ROM that stores software for the user interface and allows the display to display its status (hereinafter referred to as status) and control information. For both printing and copying, displays are commonly used to display information about the status of the copy or print job.
In these general systems, all user interfaces
Interface control is stored by the hardware output unit.
This is performed based on the software . Such devices are generally considered MFPs, since printers can also copy.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Recently, MFPs
Has become commonplace to provide various functions such as printing, copying, scanning and faxing. As MFPs include additional functions and features, the user interface generally becomes more complex.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an MFP having a hard output unit and a control unit. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a MF
The purpose is to provide a user interface suitable for the characteristics of P. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hard output unit U
It is to provide a useful means of revising the I definition.

[0006]

The above objects are achieved in an MFP in which the user interface (UI) definitions are distributed across a hard output unit and a control unit. The user interface definition for the copy exists in the hard output unit, while the UI definitions for other functions are stored in the control unit. Upon initialization of the MFP, the control unit downloads its UI definition to the hard output unit. The hard output unit stores these UI definitions in volatile memory, such as RAM, and uses them during normal operation.

[0007] UI used for printing, faxing or other functions
, The new user interface definition is simply loaded into the control unit and the hard output unit is reset. This loading can be from a floppy disk via a LAN or other network. LAN
Is particularly desirable when the MFPs are provided on a LAN. All of these MFPs can be installed simultaneously from a single workstation on the LAN. The device and its use, as well as other objects and advantages associated with its operation, will be apparent from the description below.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The description given below is an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the apparatus and method of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a LAN according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram of 100. The LAN 100 includes a plurality of MFs connected to each other via a file server 120, a workstation 150, and a network communication line 160.
P110. File server 120 and workstation 150 are preferably Intel Corporati
on: Santa Clara, California) and Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Corporation: Redm
ond, Washington) Windows (Windows) A well-known computer running an operating system. M
The FP 110 preferably includes a hard output unit 110a and a control unit 110b. LAN 100 may also include hubs, routers, and other devices (not shown).

Before describing the LAN 100, some terms are defined. "File server" means a computer that controls access to file and disk resources on a network, which provides security and synchronization over a network via a network operating system. "Server" means hardware or software that provides network services. "Workstation" means a customer computer, which sends commands to a local operating system or network interface adapter for processing and transmission over the network. The workstation is provided with appropriate software, such as a print server, an archive server (a
rchive server) or a server such as a communication server. "Software" is one or more computer-readable programs and associated modules that are preferably associated and integrated to perform a desired function. A "multi-function peripheral" is a device that provides multiple functions,
Provide at least one of a scanner and a fax function and a print function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware output unit 110a and the control unit 110b. The hard output unit 110a is preferably a communication interface 2
20 (preferably SCSI), and the hard output unit 110a receives the rasterized print job from the control unit 110b, manages the print job as well as its own copy job, and It has hardware and software to enable printing. This hardware includes a short-term memory 265 (preferably RAM) in which a program for controlling the hardware output unit 110a is stored and executed, and a long- term memory 265 (preferably RAM).
A period memory 285 and a processor 260 are included. Hard output unit 110a may include a disk drive (not shown) for long-term and short-term storage. The hard output unit 110a includes standard components including an automatic document feeder 275, a paper feed tray 270, and a paper output tray 235.

The hard output unit 110a includes a movable display 225 (preferably an LCD) and a user input device 230 such as a button switch. Hard output unit 110a has user interface software stored in memory 285, which is
5 and interpret the user input from the user input device 230. The movable display 225 and the user input device 230 constitute an operator console 240, which together with the user interface software constitutes a UI subsystem.

Rather than hard-coding the particular information displayed and the interpretation of user input,
This information is stored separately from the user interface software as “user interface definition (UI definition)”. "User interface" means hardware and software that allow a user to interact and perform operations.

The UI definition preferably comprises a plurality of tables, each table relating to a different function requiring an interface. For display, the table preferably includes icons, messages, input areas, rectangles, and pictures. The table for user input preferably contains button switch mapping and subroutine identification information. For example, for icons, the UI definition includes an identifier, an attribute, a normal image, a reverse image, a normal size, and a reverse size. The attribute for one icon is priority, and the icon is L
Whether or not a "button" on the CD is indicated may include the control, position, width, height, etc., for the touched icon. For the input area, the UI definition includes identifier, position, size, cursor position, alignment, font, attribute (off, normal, inverted, blinking), start and end positions of the inverted area, default string (default)
string), mode, min and max, rules not met
Includes processing of (illegal) input, maximum string length, increase / decrease of quantity, and control of increase / decrease. For rectangles, the UI definition includes an identifier, position, width, height, line type, line width, and line color. The UI definition for a message includes an identifier, message string, font, length and position. The UI definition for a picture includes the identifier of each of the other elements that make up the picture, and the background color. In other words, a new user
User interface definition from LAN as described later
Stored in hardware output unit via control unit 11b
And by using it the hard output unit
The display of icons, messages, etc. on the LCD has been changed,
Functions can also be changed. Therefore, the features of each MFP
Can provide a suitable user interface
You.

The hard output unit 110a stores the user interface definition for copying in the memory 285 for a long time. The hard output unit 110a stores user interface definitions for printing and faxing in the control unit 11a.
0b and store them in memory 265 for a short period of time. Preferably, to increase processing speed and simplify programming, the hard output unit 110a has a copy U
Load the I definition from the long term memory 285 of the hard output unit to the short term memory 265.

The control unit 110b preferably comprises a server such as a computer having an Intel processor 255 and running Microsoft Windows NT. 1 for the control unit 110b and the hard output unit 110a
There is a one-to-one correspondence. In connection with the processor 255, the control unit 110b includes a short-term memory 250 (preferably RAM).
And a long term memory 280 (preferably a hard disk). Communication interface 205 is preferably SCS
It is configured as an I host. Further, the control unit 110b
Preferably includes a fax / modem 210 to send and receive faxes over a telephone line. Control unit 11
Ob includes management software stored in memory 280 for a long period of time, which software manages print jobs, fax jobs and scanner jobs. Control unit 11
0b rasterizes a print job from the LAN 100 into print data (format suitable for the hard output unit 110a), and sends the print data to the hard output unit 110a.
The data is transmitted via the CSI interface 205.

FIG. 3 shows a method for enabling the UI.
This processing starts in the first step (step S31).
0). Although shown as part of the process, the next few steps should be considered as preparation steps. In the first preparation step, the UI definition for copying is incorporated into the hard output unit 110a (step S315). According to the copy UI definition in the hard output unit 110a,
The copy UI becomes usable (step S320). Normally, these steps S315 and S320 are executed when the hard output unit 110a is manufactured. However, this copy UI definition can be conveniently incorporated in the field.

Further, the copy UI definition is stored in the control unit 11.
0b can be loaded like other UI definitions. But,
The hard output unit 110a is used independently of the control unit 110b and functions as a copy machine.
The copy UI definition may be incorporated into the hard output unit 110a.

Next preparation step (step S325)
The UI definition for printing and facsimile is
0b. If the hard output unit 110a is not connected to the control unit 110b (step S
330), the hard output unit 110a is connected to the control unit 110b (step S335). This is U
The preparation part of the I usable processing is completed.

Each UI definition is a hard output unit 110a
And after being stored in the control unit 110b, respectively, the UI definition is transmitted from the control unit 110b to the hard output unit 11b.
0a can be loaded as part of the MFP initialization process. This is also shown in FIG. However, each UI definition is transferred from the control unit 110b to the hard output unit 110b.
a may be reloaded. Further, this operation is usually performed by re-initialization described later.

Preferably, the hard output unit 110a and the control unit 110b are connected when both are powered on and ready, and the SCSI protocol allows such a hot connection. The software in the hardware output unit 110a and the software in the control unit 110b detect their connection and automatically change the print UI definition and the fax UI definition to the control unit 11.
0b to the hard output unit 110a.

In step S340, an initialization routine in the hard output unit 110a and the control unit 110b starts. These routines indicate normal system maintenance, but also trigger a UI definition according to the present invention. In step S345, the hard output unit 11
0a indicates that the control unit 110b has the communication interface 2
Start waiting to establish communication via 05, 220.
Next, the control unit 110 b
The communication with a is established (step S350). Preferably,
This is done according to the SCSI standard. Alternatively, the hard output unit 110a can establish communication with the control unit 110b. Further, the hard output unit 11
Oa and control unit 110b include a timer so that after waiting a predetermined time, an error is estimated and reported.

At step S355, control unit 110
b allocates a UI subsystem. By allocating the UI subsystem, the control unit 110b allows the content displayed on the display 225 and the user input device 230
Controls the process of pressing the upper key.

In step S360, control unit 110
b loads the relevant UI definition from its long term memory 280 into its short term memory 250. This UI definition can be partially loaded instead of the whole. This step S360 first allows access to the UI definition and can be performed by other known methods. next,
The control unit 110b transmits the UI definition to the hardware output unit 110a (Step S365). Finally, the hard output unit 110a stores the transmitted UI definition in its short-term memory 265 (step S370).
This completes the UI usable process (step S37).
5).

In normal operation, the hard output unit 110
When a requires UI definitions to perform printing, faxing or other functions other than copying, these definitions are stored in memory 26 as well as accessing the definitions for the copy UI.
5 is accessed.

FIG. 4 shows a process for updating the UIs of a plurality of MFPs 110. Single MFP 110 UI
The process for updating the definition is performed in a similar manner. First
This process is started in step (step S410). Preferably, this process is initiated and controlled by a network administrator. Therefore, the network administrator
Log on to workstation 150 on server 100 (log o
n), and activate appropriate software to update the plurality of UIs (step S420). Next, the network administrator selects a plurality of UIs to be updated, and selects a source of a new UI definition (step S430). The new UI definition is for attaching and detaching floppy disks and tape cartridges.
It can be loaded from any of the known sources, such as possible storage media , LAN resources, the Internet, etc.

In step S440, the network administrator selects which MFP receives the new UI definition. Preferably, the software is available on the MFP 110
To the network administrator's workstation 150,
It is displayed by a user interface configured in a graphic tree shape. Selected multiple MFPs 120 and UI
Using the definition, the software in the network administrator's workstation 150 simply sends the new UI definition via the network communication line 160 to the selected MF.
Send to P. That is, the new UI definition is the selected multiple MF
It is sent to the control unit 110b of P110.

The control unit 110b sends the new UI definition to its long-term memory 280 (step S46).
0). Finally, in step S470, the control unit 11
Ob sends a reset signal to the hard output unit 110a so that the hard output unit 110a performs the above-described initialization. This is the end of updating the multiple UIs of the multiple MFPs.

Having described embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications, modifications, and alterations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such variations, modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, a user interface suitable for the features of each MFP can be provided in the hard output unit, and the user interface can be easily changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a LAN including a plurality of MFPs according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an MFP according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a user interface according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating user interface definitions of a plurality of MFPs from a workstation on a network.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 LAN 110a Hard output device 110b Control unit 120 File server 150 Workstation 160 Network communication line 275 Automatic document feed

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tom Fan 92618, California, United States, Irvine, Irvine Boulevard 9740, Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (56) References JP 7 -295767 (JP, A) JP-A-7-271537 (JP, A) JP-A-9-34657 (JP, A) JP-A-59-122071 (JP, A) JP-A 5-11984 (JP, A) )

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for providing a user interface definition to a multi-functional peripheral device comprising a hard output unit and a control unit, wherein the hard output unit is provided to the control unit having a network adapter connected to a computer network. Communicatively coupled to receive print and fax jobs from a computer on the computer network, further wherein the hard output unit defines a display, a processor, user interface software, and information displayed on the display during copying. A) a user interface definition for printing that defines information to be displayed on the display at the time of printing from the computer network; (B) loading the user interface definition from the control unit to the hard output unit; and (c) loading the hard output unit if the user instructs copying when using the hard output unit. (D) when the user instructs printing when using the hard output unit, the user interface definition for printing loaded from the control unit to the hard output unit. A method for providing a user interface definition, comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hard output unit loads the user interface definition from the control unit into a volatile memory. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hard output unit loads a user interface definition from the control unit into a RAM. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: loading a new print user interface definition into said control unit and reinitializing said hard output unit to update said print user interface definition. 2. The user interface definition providing method according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the user interface definition for printing is loaded from the LAN to the control unit. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the user interface definition for printing is loaded by a user of a workstation connected to a LAN. 7. A method for updating a user interface definition defining information displayed on a display of a multi-function peripheral device connected to a LAN, wherein the multi-function peripheral device includes a control unit and a hard output unit. Wherein said control unit comprises a server computer communicably connected to said hard output unit, said hard output unit performing paper output of copy, print and fax jobs; (a) logging on to a LAN from a workstation, Activating the user interface definition update software; (b) selecting a new user interface definition source from the workstation; (c) selecting the new user interface definition from the workstation; (d) ) The new user interface definition (E) loading the new user interface definition from the long term memory into the short term memory in the control unit; and (f) loading the control unit and the hardware. Enabling communication between output units; and (g) transmitting the new user interface definition from the short-term memory in the control unit to a short-term memory in the hard output unit. User interface definition update method. 8. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of selecting a plurality of multi-function peripheral devices, wherein the new user interface definition is applied to the selected plurality of multi-function peripheral devices as shown in the steps (d) to (g). 8. The user interface definition updating method according to claim 7, wherein the user interface definition is loaded. 9. A paper tray, a movable display, a user input device, a processor, a first memory for long-term storage, a second memory for rewritable short-term storage, a communication interface, and the display and user input. Providing user interface software loaded into the first memory for controlling an apparatus, providing copy and print functions, outputting a fax job on paper, and displaying the display on the processor according to the user interface software. (B) processor, rewritable first for long-term storage
A memory and a rewritable second memory for short-term storage, a communication interface connected to the hard output unit, a fax modem, a network adapter for communicating with a computer network, and a printing user loaded into the rewritable first memory A control unit comprising an interface definition, the control unit comprising: the printing user interface definition for performing a user interaction of the hard output unit via the display and a user input device;
The hard output unit can be loaded via a communication interface of the control unit, wherein the printing user interface definition includes a message,
Including input fields and user input device mapping;
The multifunctional peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the hard output unit performs a user interaction using the received user interface definition for printing and the user interface software during printing. 10. The multi-function peripheral according to claim 9, wherein said hard output unit comprises a photocopier having a SCSI interface. 11. The multifunctional peripheral device according to claim 9, wherein said control unit comprises a personal computer.